Eva lives
in colonia Alfapanamericano, one of the worst examples of the paucity of
adequate housing resources in Tijuana. Built as a housing project for newly
arrived workers in the early 80's, Alfapanamericano was condemned within
a few years as substandard housing. The neighborhood was evacuated as some
buildings literally crumbled underneath their own weight. But this enforcement
of housing regulations was short-lived, and soon the condemned buildings
began to fill with squatters, "paracaidistas" (parachutists),
who landed in Tijuana from all parts of Mexico seeking work and a better
life.

Eva and Carmen
sit on the rubble of a collapsed building in front of Eva's apartment in
Colonia Alfapanamericano.

By stealing electricity (attaching small cables known as 'diablitos' to
the major power lines), the residents have electricity. By a complete lack
of attention, the water and sewage services to the colonia evacuated 20
years ago remain active. Eva considers herself lucky, because she has four
solid walls and pays no rent. But the crumbled building next to her building
apocalyptically forebodes faults in the construction of her home.